PHOENIX & CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GlobalTranz Enterprises, Inc., a leading technology-driven third-party logistics (3PL) solutions provider, today announced that it has closed its previously announced acquisition of AFN Logistics, an award-winning leader in freight brokerage, 3PL and transportation management services. The acquisition further accelerates GlobalTranz’s growth and market leadership in the 3PL industry, and creates a company that will exceed $1.5 billion in revenue.

“We are excited to welcome the AFN team and to combine the unique strengths of both companies”

“We are excited to welcome the AFN team and to combine the unique strengths of both companies,” said Bob Farrell, chairman and CEO. “AFN, combined with GlobalTranz, creates a powerful 3PL with a market-leading end-to-end logistics tech suite, expansive network of high-quality and dedicated-capacity, and top talent in the industry. Our joint company will further accelerate our ability to provide sophisticated technology and transportation solutions that drive operative and competitive advantages for our customers.”

For more information about GlobalTranz, visit www.globaltranz.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @globaltranz.

About AFN Logistics

AFN is an award-winning leader in freight brokerage, third-party logistics, and transportation management services that has served the needs of major manufacturers, top-20 retailers, and best-in-class carriers in North America since 2003. Known for its commitment to client service, AFN has a robust suite of people-first, technology-enabled solutions — from truckload, LTL, managed transportation and consolidation services to risk management, carrier compliance, cargo security and surveillance, and more.

About GlobalTranz

GlobalTranz is a technology-driven freight brokerage company specializing in LTL, full truckload, third-party logistics and expedited shipping services. GlobalTranz is leading the market in innovative logistics technology that optimizes the efficiency of freight movement and matches shipper demand and carrier capacity in near real-time. Leveraging its extensive freight agent network, GlobalTranz has emerged as a fast-growing market leader with a customer base of over 25,000 shippers. In 2018, Transport Topics ranked GlobalTranz as the 10th largest freight brokerage firm in the U.S.

About The Jordan Company, L.P.

TJC (www.thejordancompany.com), founded in 1982, is a middle-market private equity firm that has managed funds with original capital commitments in excess of $11 billion since 1987 and a 35-year track record of investing in and contributing to the growth of many businesses across a wide range of industries including Industrials, Transportation and Logistics, Healthcare and Consumer, and Telecom, Technology and Utility. The senior investment team has been investing together for over 20 years and is supported by the Operations Management Group, which was established in 1988 to initiate and support operational improvements in portfolio companies. Headquartered in New York, NY, TJC also has an office in Chicago, IL.

GlobalTranz Acquires AFN Logistics

Combined company to drive expanded technology and market leadership

PHOENIX and CHICAGO (September 13, 2018) —GlobalTranz Enterprises, Inc., a leading technology-driven third-party logistics (3PL) solutions provider, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire AFN Logistics, an award-winning leader in freight brokerage, 3PL logistics, and transportation management services. The acquisition further solidifies GlobalTranz’s position as a top freight brokerage firm and significantly increases its market share in 3PL services. The transaction is expected to close within 45 days.

“I am excited to write the next chapter in AFN’s evolution with GlobalTranz,” said Owen Schnaper, chief executive officer of AFN. “Since Ryan Daube founded the business 15 years ago, AFN has focused on driving high value for its customers through unparalleled service with trusted freight carriers providing high-quality, consistent capacity. By combining with GlobalTranz, AFN can continue this history on a bigger platform with differentiated technology. I know this combination will be attractive and beneficial to our clients and partners alike.”

“AFN Logistics is one of the fastest growing and most exciting companies in the 3PL space,” said Bob Farrell, chairman and chief executive officer of GlobalTranz. “AFN has leveraged people, processes and technology to create unique solutions for its customers and develop strong carrier partnerships. Combining GlobalTranz’s and AFN’s network and technology along with the best talent in the industry creates a company that will exceed $1.5 billion in revenue and will further accelerate our growth and market leadership in the 3PL industry.”

GlobalTranz recently announced The Jordan Company, L.P. (TJC) as its new equity partner. “We are pleased to support the acquisition of AFN by GlobalTranz,” said Brian Higgins, senior partner, TJC. Higgins added, “GlobalTranz is executing on its strategy to drive market leadership by strong organic and acquired growth. AFN is a strong fit with this strategy.”

“Our unique hybrid combination of the best independent freight agents in the industry with our strong direct channels is a clear differentiator. AFN will further enhance our channels to market,” added Farrell.

For more information, visit www.globaltranz.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @globaltranz.

About GlobalTranz

GlobalTranz is a technology-driven freight brokerage company specializing in LTL, full truckload, third-party logistics and expedited shipping services. GlobalTranz is leading the market in innovative logistics technology that optimizes the efficiency of freight movement and matches shipper demand and carrier capacity in near real-time. Leveraging its extensive freight agent network, GlobalTranz has emerged as a fast-growing market leader with a customer base of over 25,000 shippers. In 2018, Transport Topics ranked GlobalTranz as the 10th largest freight brokerage firm in the U.S.

About AFN Logistics

AFN is an award-winning leader in freight brokerage, third-party logistics, and transportation management services that has served the needs of major manufacturers, top-20 retailers, and best-in-class carriers in North America since 2003. Known for its commitment to client service, AFN has a robust suite of people-first, technology-enabled solutions — from truckload, LTL, managed transportation and consolidation services to risk management, carrier compliance, cargo security and surveillance, and more.

About The Jordan Company, L.P.

TJC (www.thejordancompany.com), founded in 1982, is a middle-market private equity firm that has managed funds with original capital commitments in excess of $11 billion since 1987 and a 35-year track record of investing in and contributing to the growth of many businesses across a wide range of industries including Industrials, Transportation and Logistics, Healthcare and Consumer, and Telecom, Technology and Utility. The senior investment team has been investing together for over 20 years and is supported by the Operations Management Group, which was established in 1988 to initiate and support operational improvements in portfolio companies. Headquartered in New York, New York, TJC also has an office in Chicago, Illinois.

3PLs offer shippers ‘untapped capacity’

As the second half of 2018 unfolds, shippers are presented with compounding challenges as the holiday season approaches. The truck driver shortage is showing no signs of loosening, lower tax rates have fueled consumer spending, and the tariffs imposed on Chinese goods are spurring manufacturers to stock up on imports in order to get ahead of the presumed price increases, all of which are driving truckload capacity constraints.

In the recent American Shipper article, “3PLs offer shippers ‘untapped capacity’”, Maggie Turner, National Account Manager at AFN, delves into the complexities of the market and shares insight on how shippers can successfully navigate this uncharted territory. Turner discusses how shippers have found new ways to make themselves a ‘shipper of choice’ and tap into available capacity by working with a trusted 3PL to gain access to smaller carriers.

AFN is honored to be recognized as a Food Logistics’Top 3PL & Cold Storage Solution Provider for 2018. This award was presented in recognition for our partnership with leading manufacturers to develop innovative, holistic, and award-winning multi-modal logistics solutions. Our goal is to provide lasting value by creating efficiencies, mitigating risk, reducing total landed costs and improving service.

To learn more about AFN’s recent awards and recognition, please follow the links below:

On September 13th, join AFN’s supply chain experts and representatives from food brands including Enjoy Life Foods, World’s Finest Chocolate, and more, as they address these “Hot Topics In Supply Chain Management” and share strategies for thriving in the current environment.

Presented in conjunction with the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network and the Loyola University Supply and Value Chain Center, the event will include cocktails, appetizers, and networking before and after the panel discussion.

New Loop footprint to promote work/life balance for current AFN team members, facilitate recruitment efforts and continued growth

CHICAGO, IL – July 30, 2018 – AFN Logistics, headquartered in Niles, IL, today announced the opening of a new office located in downtown Chicago at 101 N. Wacker Drive. This new office can accommodate up to 70 team members. AFN plans to bring 85 jobs to the greater Chicagoland area in 2018.

The expanded staff, an addition to AFN’s current nearly 250-strong roster, will serve the dynamic needs of the burgeoning third-party logistics company’s growing customer base. The new office boasts proximity to public transit, an open floor plan, and amenities including an onsite gym, kitchen, ping pong table and arcade-style basketball hoops.

“Chicago is a booming transportation and technology hub, and as AFN continues to grow our already strong presence in the city, we want to ensure our offices are perfectly situated for Chicago’s hotbed of logistics and technology talent,” said Lisa Watkins, AFN’s vice president of talent.

In addition to accommodating future growth, the new Chicago office location is intended to facilitate an enhanced work/life balance for AFN’s team members, and to provide a convenient meeting location for AFN’s customers, carriers, and business partners.

“Providing added flexibility for our team members and the customers we serve is one of the many ways we are delivering on AFN’s purpose of ‘continuously improving lives through supply chain solutions,’” said Owen Schnaper, AFN’s CEO.

AFN is looking for talented, driven, and successful people to join our fast-growing, award-winning, and fun-loving third-party logistics team.

The shortage of truck drivers is no longer an issue that is relevant only to those directly involved in the logistics and supply chain industry. In fact, as transportation costs rise and are increasingly passed on to consumers, the driver shortage and the resulting capacity constraints are becoming “a nationwide topic of conversation,” says Matt Witten, carrier sales manager at AFN.

Mastering the Complexities of the Cold Chain

A “new normal” for the transportation industry is here, and supply chain leaders are increasingly seeing how the retail landscape is changing- especially for the cold chain. What has caused this “new normal”? If you’ve ever ordered a frozen pizza online or a meal kit recently, you have part of the answer.

Changing consumer demands shifting weather patterns, record breaking load-to-truck ratios, and implementation of government regulations are all factors. Where does this leave retail and logistics leaders, and how must supply chains adapt to these changes? Rachal Snider of AFN and Alan Reed of Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network dive deep into the complexities of the cold chain- and shed light on how shippers can master the new normal of today’s retail landscape with the right partners.

Read Rachal and Alan’s full article in Food Logistics to get the full scoop.

5 Big Questions Facing Retail and Logistics Leaders

How can I be a shipper of choice? How can my company navigate increasingly complex retail compliance requirements and mitigate the risk of noncompliance? And will this crazy transportation market ever cool off?

Throughout the first half of 2018, the transportation market has consistently seen record-setting load-to-truck ratios and spot rates- and it isn’t looking to slow down anytime soon. Evolving consumer demands and competition from online retailers are changing the landscape for brick-and-mortar retailers and the 3PLs and carriers that manage their transportation needs. In her recent article in Total Retail, Rachal Snider, AFN’s vice president of customer supply chain, shares insights and answers to the “5 Big Questions Facing Retail and Logistics Leaders.”

AFN is honored to announce that we have been selected by Supply & Demand Chain Executive for the SDCE 100 Top Supply Chain Projects award for a sixth year. AFN was recognized for our work to develop a strategic partnership with our client and implement a holistic transportation solution that continues to drive visibility, efficiencies, scalability, standardization and reduced costs. Our recognition as an SDCE 100 Top Supply Chain Projects follows AFN’s recent recognition as one of Food Logistics’Top Green Providers.

AFN’s client looked to build on its 50-year legacy with new, scalable growth, which presented a variety of opportunities and challenges, particularly those related to its approach to transportation and logistics. Prior to our work, the client was operating in a data-poor environment with little to no shipment visibility due to its lack of a Transportation Management System (TMS) and decentralized operations environment. To help improve our client’s supply chain, our team proposed a holistic, Managed Transportation Services solution.

This solution included:

Implementation a TMS to drive visibility, scalability, and data reporting

Standardization of transportation processes across all facilities to create efficiencies, streamline processes, and reduce costs

Deployment of a dedicated support team to manage change for continuous improvement and growth.

Once AFN’s Managed Transportation solution was in place, our client realized immediate savings through the following:

Active carrier management through the new TMS provided the data necessary for determining which carriers to retain and which to remove, ensuring the optimal balance of cost and service.

Data capture and analysis allowed the client to adjust shipment pricing on a per-customer basis depending on service levels desired by their customers.

Identification of consistent, predictable lanes where a lower-cost, lower transit time carrier could be utilized made it possible to optimize the client’s freight shipping between branches.

Shipment visibility increased and the AFN team identified other supply chain challenges, previously unbeknownst to the client. Our team implemented processes to solve these challenges and create efficiencies in the client’s supply chain.

Ultimately, the AFN team reduced the client’s overall transportation costs by approximately 15%. Our client continues to see savings and benefits as we continue to identify and collaborate on solving other supply chain challenges.